Days after 12-term Republican incumbent Rodney Frelinghuysen of Harding announced his retirement, potential candidates are testing the waters.

Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco has taken formal steps toward a possible run for Congress, announcing the formation of an exploratory committee to study his chances of replacing Frelinghuysen in the 11th District.

Bucco, who has represented District 25 since 2010, has hired global political consultants Mercury Public Affairs to consider his options.

“This exploratory committee will help me understand whether we can be successful in raising money, building a large volunteer-driven grassroots organization, and communicating a message of smaller government, a strong national defense, growing jobs, and protecting taxpayers," Bucco said Wednesday night.

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Army veteran Harry Ettlinger of Rockawy Township looks through a book of cultural artifacts saved by the ‘Monument Men’ with Assemblyman Anthony Bucco and Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, following Morris County’s annual Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 23.
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The Westfield-based firm has worked for Bucco on previous campaigns. Another partner, Mike DuHaime, is the former political director for the Republican National Committee who served as the senior strategist for former Gov. Chris Christie's 2016 presidential campaign. He also worked as a regional political director on George W. Bush's 2004 presidential campaign.

Bucco confirmed his interest in running for Congress shortly after Frelinghuysen announced he would retire rather than seek a 13th term on Monday.

Bucco's committee reads like a who's who of Morris County Republican leaders. Topping the list are his father, Sen. Anthony R. Bucco, and his 25th District Assembly partner Michael Patrick Carroll.

Others who have agreed to support the Bucco committee include Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and Morris County Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo, Doug Cabana, Heather Darling and Deborah Smith.

"I have known him for more than 40 years, since the old days at Boonton High School where he was class president," Gannon said. "He is a regular guy who works hard for his constituents."

Committee supporters also include four Morris County mayors, former Sheriff Ed Rochford and former county GOP Chairman John Sette.

“Rodney has been a tremendous leader for New Jersey and our nation, and his retirement was unexpected," Bucco said. "In the 48 hours since his announcement, my wife Amy and I have been incredibly humbled by the encouragement of Republican leaders across the county who are helping us explore a run to fill Rodney’s enormous shoes in Congress."

Several Morris County leaders have been rumored to join Bucco in seeking the Republican nomination. They include Sen. Joseph Pennacchio of the 26th District, who confirmed he has formed his own exploratory committee.

Rumors suggest a field that also may include another 26th District assemblyman, Jay Webber, Harding Councilman Nicolas Platt and freeholder Christine Myers. Sen. Kristen Carrado of District 40 also has expressed an interest in running.

Whichever Republican ultimately wins the GOP primary in June is likely to face fierce opposition from Democratic front-runner Mikie Sherrill, who has been campaigning for nearly a year and has proven to be an effective fundraiser.

"Any Republican should win the district," Carroll said. "Progressive policies kill New Jersey in general and this district in particular. They advocate for higher taxes on the rich and massive federal spending. Sherrill, on her website, observes that New Jersey is a massive donor state, but then supports policies expressly designed to make the situation much worse."

Frelinghuysen, who became chairman of the House Appropriations Committee in 2017, has drawn criticism over the past year from a progressive group in his district that has protested his support of the conservative policies championed by President Donald Trump.

The group ran similar ads against Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Westfield), who represents the minority of Morris County towns not represented by Frelinghuysen.

Frelinghuysen ultimately voted for a revised House version of the so-called Obamacare repeal, a version of which was later voted down in the Senate. Lance joined the majority of New Jersey congress members who voted against the repeal.